Cold air doesn’t retain as much moisture as warm air, so humidity levels during winter drop drastically. While you probably don’t miss the damp stickiness that humidity creates in the summer, too little moisture in the air can lead to other issues. The guide below explains how humidity can affect you and the benefits of complementing your home heating system with a humidifier.

How Does Dry Air Affect You?

One of the most notable effects of low humidity is dry skin. You may feel like your face and hands are dry, no matter how much lotion is applied. This problem can also manifest as cracked lips and brittle hair. Combine this problem with the bitter wind outside, and your skin is in for a rough time during winter.

Winter is also a peak time for illness, and this is partly thanks to the dry air. If the air circulated by your home heating system doesn’t have enough moisture, your nasal passages will dry out. This exacerbates allergies, asthma, and increases the likelihood of catching a virus. That’s because the mucus in your nasal passages is your first line of defense against germs, even if it leads to an annoying runny nose. If the mucus dries up, airborne viruses have a better chance of entering your respiratory system.

How Can You Combat These Effects?

One of the best ways to combat this problem is a humidifier. While you might be familiar with small humidifier units, these are only useful for the room they’re sitting in. The best option for controlling indoor humidity is a central unit that piggybacks on your central home heating system to spread moisture throughout your home. This makes it easy to keep your home at the optimal humidity level, keeping everyone healthy.

For the best appliance services and DIY parts in Northern Kentucky, contact the professionals at Niceley’s Appliance Repair. Based in Erlanger for more than 25 years, they’re the premier source for parts and repairs for refrigerators, washing machines, and home heating and cooling systems. To discuss humidifier installation with a professional, call (859) 342-9900. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.